Junagarh: There has been widespread resentment among the residents of Arntala village under Junagarh block in Kalahandi district owing to government inaction pertaining to an alleged Flag Code violation by the headmistress of Arntala Primary School here.
According to locals, the national flag in the school was seen flying past sunset and at least till 8.30pm August 15.
Hundreds of villagers Monday met Kalahandi collector and submitted a written complaint against the headmistress seeking action against her. They have also mentioned in the complaint that since her joining, irregular classes and disturbances in mid-day meal distribution have become a regular affair.
They have also sent copies of their complaint to the education minister, district education officer (DEO), block development officer of Junagarh, sub-collector of Dharmagarh and the block education officer.
According to the source, the school had authorized the Tricolour Independence Day and later forgot to lower the flag. So, the flag was seen still flying at 8.30pm.
When the incident came to light, the school authorities hastily lowered the flag. Odia daily ‘Dharitri’ also carried a report on the incident August 18.
Junagarh BEO had visited the school August 22 to find out the veracity of the allegation. He talked to the headmistress, managing committee, the assistant teacher and the villagers. During interaction with the assistant teacher and the villagers, the assistant teacher testified having seen the flag flying till 8.30pm and the villagers too seconded him.
Even after 10 days into the incident, the education department is yet to any action against the headmistress. It is also being discussed here that the education department is shielding the headmistress and it has fanned the anger in the village.
When asked, Kalahandi collector Parag Harshad Gaval promised a thorough evaluation of the incident and assured that action would be taken against the guilty.
PNN